UAB updates tests to address a wide range of PR topics

New York: The Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of nine communications organizations, has unveiled a new accreditation exam designed to test applicants on a wider range of PR topics than in the past.

New York: The Universal Accreditation Board, a consortium of nine communications organizations, has unveiled a new accreditation exam designed to test applicants on a wider range of PR topics than in the past.

"Our goal was to bring the accreditation process into the 21st century," said Nancy Wood, chair of the UAB. The old exam hadn't been changed for about 30 years.

The board expects more people to take the new exam than the average 450 a year who took the old test. Wood said 5,000 people have passed the exam in the past and can use the APR designation.

The new examination process begins with chapter-level study classes. Study information is available at the board's website.

The next step is a readiness review of candidates conducted by local panels of three accredited members. The reviews test candidates' knowledge of the business in 16 areas of expertise.

The exam is administered by Prometric, a testing firm with 300 locations across the country. Candidates must make appointments to take the new exam, but can do so year-round. In the past, there were only two opportunities a year to take the accreditation exam, Wood said.

Exam results will be available in three weeks, compared to three to six months in the past, she said.